Firefighters Kelsey Sadler, Paul Butrim, and Kenneth Lacayo died in January of 2022
Baltimore, Md. (November 18, 2025) – Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates and prosecutors were joined by representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Baltimore City, Fire Department, Baltimore Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local #734, and Baltimore Fire Officers IAFF Local #964 to announce charges for defendant James Barnett for three counts of Second-Degree Depraved Heart Murder, three counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, and one count of Second-Degree Arson related to the fatal Stricker Street fire that occurred on January 24, 2022.
“The tragic loss of Firefighter Lacayo and Lieutenants Sadler and Butrim weighs heavily on our entire city, leaving an immense void, especially within the close-knit Baltimore Fire family. These charges are a direct result of years of diligent work, thorough investigations, testing, and retesting to ensure our office was well-positioned to move forward,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Through dedicated teamwork with our partners at the Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, we are now poised to embark on a meaningful journey toward justice for these three courageous heroes, who dedicated their lives to protecting our community and were taken too soon in the line of duty.”
On January 24, 2022, Baltimore City emergency services received a 9-1-1 call for a fire at 205 Stricker Street at 5:51 a.m. Additional callers reported the same fire, indicating that there were children trapped inside the dwelling. Numerous engines of the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) arrived at the location at 5:55 a.m. to attempt to extinguish the flames. Engine 14 arrived first on scene and made entry in the ground level at approximately 5:57 a.m. Several BCFD members entered the building, including Firefighter John McMaster, Firefighter Kenneth Lacayo, Firefighter Kelsey Sadler, and Firefighter Paul Butrim. At approximately 6:00 a.m., the second and third floors of the structure collapsed, trapping multiple BCFD members.
“I want to thank each and every individual who has played, and continues to play, a role in building this case,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Our entire city stands with the families of those we lost, and the first responders who continue to keep Baltimoreans safe. Nothing can undo the losses we have suffered. But this arrest is an important step toward justice.”
Rescue efforts began, and at approximately 6:14 a.m. Firefighter McMaster was removed from the debris, transported for medical intervention, and survived. Firefighters Lacayo, Sadler, and Butrim were not able to be removed until well after an hour following the collapse. All three succumbed to their injuries as a result.
“The Baltimore City Fire Department extends its deepest gratitude to our Fire Investigations Bureau, the Baltimore Police Department arson detectives, and our federal partners at the ATF. Their tireless work has led to an arrest in the Stricker Street fire — the tragedy that claimed three of our own and deeply affected this department and community. We would like to recognize State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and his team; their commitment to seeking justice and honoring our fallen has never wavered,” said Baltimore City Fire Chief James W. Wallace. “And to Mayor Brandon Scott and the entire city administration, we are grateful for their unwavering support. While nothing can erase our loss, this is a meaningful step toward justice. This tragedy has strengthened our resolve, our unity, and our commitment to serve and protect Baltimore. We stand with the families of our fallen, with all who are still healing, and with a community that continues to lift us up. We will never stop pursuing accountability in their honor.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) took the lead of the investigation with support from BCFD and the Baltimore Police Department. The scene was held and documented using cameras, drone footage, and SceneGo technology. A canvass of CitiWatch and local surveillance footage identified a person of interest, later identified as James Barnett. Footage depicted Mr. Barnett walking westbound on Pratt Street around the 1400 block at 11:21 p.m. on January 22, 2022. The defendant was observed wearing a blue and yellow winter jacket and walking into the rear of 205 S. Stricker Street at approximately 11:23 p.m. A minute later, an apparent open flame can be seen flashing on the footage. The defendant didn’t exit the structure until 11:31 p.m., with no other individuals entering or leaving the dwelling. Additional surveillance footage was gathered from residences and commercial businesses that captured visible smoke beginning at 12:30 a.m. on January 23, 2022, and intensifying continuously.
“Thanks to the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our investigative teams, we were able to make an arrest and take an important step toward justice for the victims, their families, the Fire Department, and our city,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, I want to commend all those directly involved and their diligence in this investigation, and to continue to honor the legacies of Firefighter Lacayo and Fire Lieutenants Sadler and Butrim.”
Investigators processed the scene for approximately eight days, utilizing a myriad of investigative techniques, including accelerant detection dogs and light source analysis testing. The light source analysis testing compared potential light sources and the locations of the light sources associated with the flashes of light caused by the defendant between 11:23 p.m. and 11:31 p.m. on January 23, 2022, utilizing near-identical conditions. When compared to the surveillance video, the light source analysis revealed that the light emitted by the defendant originated from inside the rear doorway of 205 S. Stricker Street; additionally, the light source was most consistent with periodic flint ignitor sparks and the open flame produced by a butane cigarette lighter.
“We know this arrest cannot erase the pain, the grief, or the losses endured by the firefighters and their families. But we hope it is a step forward. This arrest is proof that justice will not be forgotten, and that accountability will be pursued by ATF and our partners — no matter how complex the investigation, no matter how long it takes,” said Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge for ATF Baltimore.
Based on the new light source analysis utilizing MATLAB and statements made by the defendant, investigators concluded that on January 23, 2022, the defendant intentionally ignited combustible material inside the rear doorway of 205 S. Stricker Street, which resulted in the building becoming fully engulfed in fire.
“On behalf of the Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the State’s Attorney’s Office, ATF, BPD, BCFD leadership, and every investigator who committed years of meticulous work to bring us to this moment. Their persistence honors the memory of Lieutenant Sadler, Lieutenant Butrim, and Firefighter Lacayo, and it reaffirms that their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said President Matthew Coster, Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734. “Today is an important step toward justice for our fallen brothers and sister. We are thankful for the dedication of all those who refused to give up on this investigation. Our fire family continues to heal, and this effort shows our members and their loved ones that they have not been forgotten.”
“Our attention turns to our judicial system. We will be watching closely and keeping our faith that the process will produce a fair, righteous result. These wounds will never heal for the men and women of the Baltimore City Fire Department and beyond,” said President Josh Fannon, Baltimore Fire Officers IAFF Local 964. “Most particularly for the immediate family and friends of our loved and lost. There exists, however, the possibility for closure at long last. For that small sense of peace, we are very grateful.”